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Burn pits behind Fred Slape's living quarters at Forward Operating Base Ramrod, Afghanistan, in 2009. The pit burned all day every day unless a general or the Secretary of Defense was visiting. It was 50 feet from his living and working area.

“They are struggling. There have been so many different diseases that have developed because of this, yet so many soldiers — like Fred and his buddies — just thought it was the ‘Army beat down.’” Diane Slape said, referring to the normal wear and tear the body goes through in the Army. “We’re advocating to get these veterans the specialized care they need, whether it is from the VA, military medical if they are near a military installation or care from nearby specialists if they are too far from either.”